Results An overall seropositivity of 21.8% (95% confidence interval (CI) 21.6–22.1%) was observed. A retrospective study of samples collected in the same region during 1984–85 was also performed, with an overall seropositivity of 16.0% (95% CI 15.9–16.2).

Conclusion Evidence of C. burnetii infection in domestic dogs may have public health implications for dog owners, as well as veterinarians because of occupational exposure. This study is the first known investigation of C. burnetii seroprevalence in dogs in Queensland.